Michelle Pokrassa, RPA

Michelle Pokrassa was born and raised in Long Island, NY. She left Long Island after high school to attend the University of Michigan where she earned a BS in Movement Science and graduated with distinction. She remained at the University of Michigan after graduation to work with the physical therapy department and University of Michigan athletes. She also worked as a personal trainer and was the exercise consultant and trainer for Ms. Michigan 2001. Michelle Pokrassa then decided to go on to graduate school at UMDNJ where she received a Masters Degree as a Physician Assistant. During her training at Rutgers University she elected to work on an elective basis with the athletic department where she provided medical treatment to the Division 1 athletes as well as provided sideline medical coverage for the football team. With an interest in further combining her natural interest and acquired knowledge in biomechanics and exercise with her medical training she went on to complete a 1 year postgraduate fellowship program in orthopedic surgery at New York University Hospital for Joint Disease. During her training at NYUHJD she worked under nationally and internationally recognized authorities in the field of orthopedics.

PA Pokrassa is a full time associate of Regional Orthopedics. She provides clinical consultations to patients, formulating a diagnosis and recommending the most effective treatment options. Treatment may include prescription medication, physical therapy, bracing, casting, bone stimulator application, fracture reduction and injections, all of which will be administered by PA Pokrassa in the office. Michelle Pokrassa performs preoperative evaluations in order to assess risk for certain potential surgical complications and will prescribe treatment directed to minimize any potential problems.

In addition to office based clinical care, Michelle Pokrassa is also a first assistant in the operating room during surgery. At the completion of the procedure she will close the surgical wound, apply intraoperative pain medications and accompany the patient to the recovery room. As an essential and functioning part of the surgical team M. Pokrassa will also provide clinical care for postsurgical patients in the office.